Today’s Short Sea Feeder trade is defined by short voyages between long port calls. In contrast, a TSL line is defined by short voyages between short port calls (90 minutes max), freeing up the TSL for more round trips in the same given amount of time.

Flo/Flo Flexible Port Interface = Cost Reduction

The TSL’s barges and its fast Flo/Flo exchange cycle benefit both vessel operations as well as port facilities and their operations. The difference to conventional lines: an inbound barge does not have to be reloaded and pre-positioned until the next TSL’s arrival; providing port operations a wider cargo handling window for more flexible and economic port operations under less pressure. In a 2009 TSL internal study, voyage costs per TEU were 20% to 47% lower than those of competing container ships of 1.800 - 400 TEU respectively.

Highly Predictable System Operations = High Service Reliability

TSL Operations are highly reliable (steam time + 90 minute Flo/Flo) as it is immune to the the typical delay factors of port congestion and knock-on effects of previous delays.

Low Voyage Costs/TEU = Profitability

The TSL System's voyage costs per TEU are lower than those of container ships on the same route, making investments in the TSL System profitable and safe.